Fix: Connection requires your permission for VPN configuration to run on your Mac

The first time you connect to VPN on macOS, the Bitdefender app will ask for permission to allow the VPN service to run. Follow the instructions below for your specific version of macOS to grant Bitdefender VPN the required permissions and ensure it works correctly. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.

macOS 26 (Tahoe) or 15 (Sequoia)

When connecting to Bitdefender VPN for the first time on macOS Sequoia (15) or macOS Tahoe (26), you will need to allow the app extension for full functionality. Follow these steps:

1. First, use one of these methods to press the VPN connection button – How to Connect to VPN in Bitdefender App for macOS.

1. Next, click Open System Settings in the system pop-up or in the Bitdefender window to access network extensions.

ⓘ If the pop-up above doesn’t appear when connecting to VPN the first time on macOS Sequoia/Tahoe, open System Settings from your Dock, go to General → Login Items & Extensions → Extensions → Network Extensions.

2. Turn on the VPN Service switch so it becomes blue.

3. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when prompted, then click OK.

4. Click Allow to add VPN configurations.

Now you can connect to Bitdefender VPN.

macOS 14 (Sonoma) or macOS 13 (Ventura)

The following message will appear the first time you try to connect to Bitdefender VPN on macOS Ventura (13) and macOS Sonoma (14): Allow Bitdefender VPN to run. Bitdefender VPN requires user permission to be fully functional on this version of macOS.

Follow these steps to grant Bitdefender VPN the necessary permissions:

1. Click the Open System Settings button.

2. The Privacy & Security window will appear. Scroll down to the Security section and click the Allow button.

3. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when requested, then press Unlock.

Unlock

4. Your Mac will display a dialog asking to add VPN configurations. Choose Allow.

macOS 12 (Monterey)

The following message will appear the first time you try to connect to VPN on macOS Monterey (12): Allow Bitdefender VPN to run. Bitdefender VPN requires user permission to be fully functional on newer versions of macOS.

Follow these steps to grant Bitdefender VPN the necessary permissions:

1. Click the Open System Preferences button.

2. The Security & Privacy window will appear. Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner to make the changes.

3. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when requested, then press OK.

4. Next, click the Allow button located in the lower right-hand corner of the Security & Privacy window.

5. Your Mac will display a dialog asking you to add the VPN configuration profile. Choose Allow.